Please Remember Me

“Okay so how about Mark Andre?” Patrice asked as we lay in bed late one night.

“Mark Andre…” I said slowly listening to how it sounded, “Mark Andre Bergeron?”

“Well I figured Mark after Emma’s dad and Mark Recchi and then Andre after my brother. Plus it sounds very French which I happen to like.” Patrice said to me as he kissed my forehead. “Do you like it?” he asked.

“I love it.” I said giving him a kiss. I loved how much thought he put into everything. Nothing was ever on a whim; he calculated every single thought before he shared it.

“You do?” He asked excited.

“I really do.” I said finding his hands already on my stomach. I laced my fingers with his as he cradled my stomach in his hands. “Mark Andre Bergeron.” I said happily.

“Only one to go.” He said rubbing circles along my stomach, “Don’t worry peanut, you’ll have a name soon.” He said talking to my belly. Tenderly, he placed a soft kiss to my stomach and then one to my lips, “You had better get to sleep, or it’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.” He said pulling the blankets up around our snug bodies.

“What’s going on tomorrow?” I asked relaxing back into my pillows.

“Well I thought maybe we could do some more furniture shopping for the nursery. We still need changing tables.” Patrice said rubbing my temples gently with his thumb, something I couldn’t fall asleep without as of late.

“Do we really have to do that tomorrow?” I complained, “Let’s just cuddle in bed all day and think of girl names.” I said snaking my body around his, the best I could with my watermelon sized stomach, and kissing down his neck.

“As good as that sounds,” Pat said letting his hands glide up my body, “we have to do this tomorrow, conference finals start the day after and I won’t have any time after that. We fly to Pittsburg a day early.”

“UGH, you’re right.” I whined, “Okay fine goodnight handsome.” I said giving him one more kiss before drifting off to sleep.

~~~~

“Wake up.” I heard Patrice whisper as he kissed each of my eyes softly pulling me from my sleep.

“Hi,” I said smiling lazily as I stretched out before opening my eyes.

“Good morning, I laid out an outfit for you on your closet door. Go ahead and get ready and meet me downstairs.” He placed a kiss on my lips and tried to pull away, but I wrapped my arms around him and deepened the kiss. Before things could get too heavy Patrice wriggled out of my grasp and out of the bed. “Come on let’s go.” He said helping me up out of the bed.

“What’s the hurry?” I asked as I checked my face in the mirror hanging above my dresser.

“I made lunch reservations for us and want to get the shopping done first, come on don’t be fussy just get ready.” He said smiling at me, “I’ll be downstairs, get ready.” He said emphasizing the last two words.

“Alright.” I said playfully whipping my shirt off and chucking it at him as I made my way into the bathroom.

~~~~

“I’m ready.” I declared as I twirled into the kitchen wearing my new outfit from Patrice.

“You look stunning.” He said smiling as he took my hand and twirled me around once more, “I need a kiss.” He said stopping me on a dime as he pulled me into him.

We parted softly as I leaned up against his chest content to stay here in the kitchen and listen to his heartbeat. “Thanks for my dress.” I whispered as I enjoyed our moment knowing that in a few days the moments we would be sharing would be very slim. Playoffs were always busy but with a baby on the way and my hormones raging I wasn’t sure how this year’s were going to go.

“We’d better get going.” He said helping me stand up straight before taking my hand in his own and walking out of the house. “”How about we do lunch first?” Patrice said once we were in the car and well on our way.

“Yea I’m actually pretty hungry.” I said smiling over at him. He had this smirk on his face for a millisecond, but not short enough to go unnoticed. “What’s the smirk for?” I asked suspiciously.

“I just knew you would be hungry is all.” He said nonchalantly, but I could tell he was keeping something from me.

“Yea okay.” I said sarcastically, but didn’t push things any farther knowing that no matter what he wouldn’t tell me. I simply sat back and waited for us to arrive where ever it was we were headed.

Patrice parked the car over by Harvard Square, and helped me out of the car. He still had the same knowing smile on his face and it was starting to eat away at me. I hated not knowing what was going on and he was eating up every moment of it.

“Any ideas yet?” He asked as we walked down Winthrop Street. This wasn’t a usual stomping ground of mine so I was at a loss as to why Patrice would be bringing us here. We were approaching a bar called Grendel’s Den, all I could do was look up at Patrice confused. There’s just no way he would eat at a place like that by choice.

He just started laughing at me as he shook his head no. I went back to looking around trying to play along with his game when he stopped and held a door open to me. I walked in seeing a sign that said Upstairs on the Corner. I had heard of this place once when one of the girlfriends was trying to plan a party. Patrice said something to the waiter as I was looking around at the decorations on the walls, and before I knew it we were being lead upstairs to a door. The hostess opened the door revealing a whole bunch of people yelling SURPRISE!!

It took a moment for it all to sink in. I looked up at Patrice as grateful tears streamed down my cheeks.

“Did you do this?” I asked as we walked in the room.

“I had a little help from Brittany, but yeah Babe.” He said hugging me tightly.

From that moment I was taken in by everyone congratulating and hugging me. The entire team and their families were there; my friends and his friends, and even Patrice’s family were there. I felt like I was glowing with happiness, never did I expect to have a baby shower like this. The room was stunning and all the decorations were so cute. Brittany came by and gave me sash that said in cute pink cursive, Mommy To Be. Before I was swept away by some other guests congratulating me.

I sat at a little table talking to Pat’s family about our summer plans for a while. Until I realized I hadn’t seen Patrice since I walked in. I excused myself from the table and went to look for him. I spotted him sitting at a table with a man I recognized as Mark Recchi.

.“Babe I have someone to introduce you to.” Patrice said wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his lap. “This is Rex.”

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” I said extending a hand to him, “I’m Gabriella.”

“I’m happy to finally put a face to the name.” He said taking my hand “You’re a lucky guy Pat.” Mark said after letting me go.

“I know it, there’s actually something we want to share with you, we just came up with it last night, but we decided to name our baby boy after you.” Patrice said giving him a slap on the back.

“What?” Mark said looking at me shocked.

I nodded smiling at him, “Mark Andre, I have a Mark close to me as well so it just made sense.”

“Wow, I’m honored man, thanks.” He said finishing off his drink, “Well I’m gonna get another guys. It was really nice to meet you Gabriella.” He said giving my cheek a quick peck before walking towards the bar at the other side of the room.

“So are you having fun?” Patrice asked holding me closely in his arms.

“Yes,” I said leaning into him, “I can’t believe all these people came for us.”

“Well I’m pretty sure most of them are here for you.” He said laughing. “Here someone else has come a long way just to see you.” Patrice said pointing towards the door.

Walking in came Tyler and Emma. I couldn’t help but clap my hands in excitement as I rushed over to them wrapping my arms around them both.

“I can’t believe you’re both here.” I gushed so happy to have both of my best friends here.

“Well Tyler blew the playoffs just to be here so you’d better be.” Emma teased.

“Oh Ty I’m sorry, I watched a few games you really carry that team.” I said finally letting them out of my grasp.

“It’s okay, I’m just happy to be able to share in your special day. I heard you and the big guy finally tied the knot.” Tyler said.

“Yea we’re gonna have a formal wedding later on, but I wanted it to be official before the babies are born.” I said smiling widely. Today couldn’t get more perfect then it was right now.

“So any of your family here.” Emma asked in a softer tone trying to be sensitive.

“Not that I know of.” I said shrugging it off. I was used to be being let down by them and the people in my family who were an active part in my life lived too far away to come. “My real family’s here.” I said wrapping her in another hug.

“Always.” She said squeezing me back.

We were interrupted by Brittany tapping her glass with a spoon, “Hi everyone, thank you so much for coming to celebrate such a wonderful occasion, we are going to start the games so if everyone could find their seats we will get started.”

I went to find Patrice again sitting at our little table somewhat in the front positioned so that everyone else could see us. Once everyone else had found their seat Brittany started the first game.

“At each of your tables is a roll twine, each person is to take a piece they think is long enough to wrap around Gabriella’s waist perfectly. Once everyone has their piece Pat will measure her waist and we will see who the closest is.” Brittany said clapping her hands excitedly.

“Hey there’s only one roll here?” Marchand called out laughing.

“You’re gonna get it!” I teased back.

Once everyone had cut their piece it was Pat’s turn to measure my tummy. He offered me his hand as I got out of my seat. He took the twine set out on our table before going down on one knee in front me. I watched him as he wrapped his arms around my waist to measure my baby bump. He gently placed a kiss to my stomach before coming back up to me with his piece. Everyone in the room had let out an AWWWW causing me to blush softly.

Brittany took the piece around the room measuring it against everyone else’s until the only winner was Brad.

“So what did I win?” He asked excitedly waving his string in the air getting a good laugh from everybody.

“You won a baby bottle filled with beer!” Brittany said handing him the box from a bag she had in her hand. Everyone in the room laughed hysterically at the look of amusement on Brad’s face.

“Something about this is so wrong.” He said shaking his head as he took a sip.

“Alright we’ll play another game after our meal.” Brittany said as people came in and started to serve the tables.

“So are you having fun?” Patrice asked me once our meal came over.

“Yea everything’s been great so far.” I said leaning my head on his shoulder.

“Good I’m glad love.” He said leaning his head on mine just as his mother snapped a picture of us.

I sat up and smiled at her, “I’m so happy you all could make it.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She said happily. “It’s too bad your parents couldn’t make it today, they don’t realize what they’re missing sweetheart.” She put a hand on my shoulder giving it a kind rub.

I looked at Patrice slightly taken back, “You invited them?” I asked him.

He looked at me slightly concerned of my reaction I’m sure and nodded subtlety as he spoke, “Yea Babe, I thought they deserved a chance to be involved in their grandkids’ life.”

“Yea they did.” I said looking down at my lap trying to control my emotions.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to bring such a sensitive subject up.” His mom said giving me a tight hug.

“Our babies just deserve better is all.” I whispered as soft tears streamed down my cheeks.

“Gerard and I will just have to spoil them twice as much honey.” She said causing me to laugh softly as she hugged me tightly.

I pulled away wiping at my eyes, “Thank you.” I said still holding onto her hand, “for being the type of family I always dreamed would be mine someday.”

“Thank you for being the daughter-in-law I always dreamed of for my son.” She said proudly giving us both a hug and going back to her table.

“She meant what she said Babe,” Patrice said wrapping an arm around me, “Our Babies will have a good family to love and support them.”

“I know.” I said softly as I relaxed under his touch. They were both right, our kids would grow up surrounded by the huge bruin’s family, Emma and Jack, His family, and us. Our kids would have plenty of people in their lives; they wouldn’t even feel the void my parents would leave and there were other people in my family who would love on them just as much as any relative would.

“So onto the next game!” Brittany said once more taking the room’s attention. “Six diapers are going to be passed out to each table; each diaper has a little surprise in it. It’s your job to figure out what candy bar is in each diaper.” She said grabbing out a few stacks of diapers out of a bag and passing them out. “You guys can play too!” She said giving us a set of ‘dirty’ diapers.

Patrice couldn’t help but chuckle when he opened up the first diaper with a melted chocolate bar in it, “Is this what we have to look forward to?” He asked me with a smirk on his face.

“No, no I’m sure it’ll be much worse.” I said laughing as I wrote down my answers. Once everyone had given a go at Britt’s crazy game she revealed the answers. Patrice and I both did horrible, but his sister Marie ended up winning a large basket filled with various Lush products.

“Okay everyone next we’re gonna have the cuties here open the presents,” She said giving us a wink, “Milan could you give me a hand bringing them over to their table?” She asked him.

We started opening the presents getting cute outfits and toys. Each present made me more and more excited to have the baby. We opened up a few larger gifts getting a little tub to fit in the sink, a beautiful silk Moby wrap, and even a regular carrier for Patrice to use with the babies. We got more than we needed of everything and it warmed my heart to know that all of these people loved us this much.

“Hey you ready to head out?” Patrice asked as he wrapped his strong arms around me.

“Yea, sure.” I said smiling up at him. “We still have to get the changing tables.”

“Oh man you’re right.” Patrice whined as we walked out.

As usual Patrice opened the car door for me and helped me inside. He could be so tender with me. I watched as he slid over the hood of the car and got in the driver’s seat. I couldn’t help but giggle at how much of a kid he could be at times.

“What’s so funny?” He asked giving me a boyish grin.

“You.” I said softly as I leaned in for a kiss.

“Oh that’s nice.” He said mock frowning at me.

“Oh stop.” I said kissing him all over his face and neck.

He let out a soft laugh as he closed his eyes and let me give him as much attention as I could. “If you don’t stop we will never get to the store.” He said taking my face in his hands and giving me a kiss on the lips before letting me go and driving off to the store.

~~~~

“We should have just let them install it babe.” Patrice whined as he held two of the wooden legs to the table.

“That’s such a waste of money, we can do this.” I said staring hard at the instructions trying to figure out what we were supposed to do next.

“Babe I couldn’t even put the cribs together correctly, Thorty had to come over and fix them for me.” Patrice complained, “I’m not handy.”

I couldn’t help but start laughing at him. He just looked down on me not amused.

“Yes it’s hilarious that I can’t build a simple child’s crib.” He said crossing his arms over his chest, lowering his eyebrows at me he gave me a warning look.

“Oh babe,” I said trying to stop laughing, “Come on.” I said still unable to stop laughing.

“Please keep laughing.” He said obviously not seeing the humor in the moment.

“I’m sorry.” I said laughing harder now, “I really can’t stop!” I said laying on my back now busting a gut.

“You’re ridiculous!” He says now laughing along with me. Slowing sinking down to the ground he hovers just above my body as he lays kiss after kiss to my neck. “You shouldn’t laugh at me like that.” He said in my ear softly.

I could hear the vulnerability in his voice it cut me down to the core, “You’re right I’m sorry. I just thought you were really cute is all.” I said gently holding his face in the palm of my hands.

“I doubt that’s why you were laughing, but okay.” Patrice said giving one last kiss before helping me up to my feet, “Come to bed pet we can hire someone to do this in the morning.”

“Babe,” I whined softly.

“Come on I leave in the morning,” He said pulling me up into his arms, “I’m not wasting the last few hours I have with you on some changing table.”

Kissing him hard on the mouth I gave him the only answer he needed.